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Minn. House Passes $322M Budget Plan

The Minnesota House has approved a budget plan that would spend another $322 million of the state's surplus.

Debate went late into the night Thursday as lawmakers, mostly minority Republicans, offered some 40 amendments. The Democratic-controlled House approved the plan shortly before midnight on a 70-59 party-line vote.

Before debate began, DFL leaders touted increased money for K-12 schools, caregivers for the elderly and disabled and roads battered by winter.

The Senate is expected to approve its budget plan Monday. Both chambers would have to work out differences before sending a final bill to the governor.

The plans adjust a two-year, $39 billion budget adopted last spring. A strengthening economy and increasing tax collections led to a $1.2 billion surplus, half of which went to tax relief and a reserve fund.

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